Fantasy films hold a unique place in the realm of cinema, offering a warm retreat into worlds far removed from the chaos of our daily lives. There is an unmatched comfort in watching—or rewatching—a cherished film that transports us to an entirely different reality. It serves as the ultimate escape, a form of self-care that far surpasses the frustration of online disputes.

While the world of cinema continually presents us with new fantasy offerings to explore, there’s a certain joy in returning to the classics. These films are often the perfect remedy for brightening a gloomy day. We’ve delved into our extensive collection of physical media to unearth those fantasy movies that are not only incredibly rewatchable but also genuinely entertaining and timeless. These are the films that continue to captivate audiences, even decades after their initial release.

When selecting these films, we did rely on personal favorites. Some might even rank among the best fantasy movies according to Rotten Tomatoes or other metrics. However, the true measure of their worth lies in their ability to beckon viewers back repeatedly. So, let’s slip on our imaginary adventurer boots, grasp our mythical swords, and embark on thrilling journeys to unexpected realms filled with high-stakes escapades and life-changing quests.

“Turn around, look at what you see. In her face, the mirror of your dreams.” These iconic lyrics from “The NeverEnding Story” continue to enchant audiences with their undeniable allure. Thanks to “Stranger Things,” a new generation has been introduced to Limahl’s electrifying anthem. It’s almost impossible to watch this 1984 fantasy classic without having its catchy tune linger in your mind for days.

• Cast: Barret Oliver, Noah Hathaway, Tami Stronach
• Director: Wolfgang Petersen
• Rotten Tomatoes: 84%
• Runtime: 102 minutes
• Where to watch: Prime Video, Apple TV

“Turn around, look at what you see. In her face, the mirror of your dreams.” The theme song from “The NeverEnding Story” continues to be an outright banger to this day, and it owes “Stranger Things” a debt of gratitude for introducing a new generation to Limahl’s sizzling anthem. It’s impossible to watch this 1984 fantasy film and not have this track stuck in your head for days afterwards.

It isn’t only the music, though. “The NeverEnding Story” whisks the viewer away on a magical journey along with Bastian Balthazar Bux (Barret Oliver), who escapes into a book that transports him to a story taking place in the mythical Fantasia. In this world, the supernatural force known as the Nothing overwhelms the land, and the Childlike Empress (Tami Stronach) becomes ill. It’s up to the young and heroic Atreyu (Noah Hathaway) to embark on a quest to save the Empress and Fantasia.

The hook presents itself as any hero’s journey narrative structure, but there’s so much more to “The NeverEnding Story” as the world of Fantasia explodes to life on screen. From Atreyu taking flight on the fluffy and kind dragon Falkor through the clouds to the heart-pounding sense of danger around every corner, this film sucks the audience in — whether it’s the first time they watch it, or the hundredth viewing.

• Cast: Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Orlando Bloom
• Director: Peter Jackson
• Rotten Tomatoes: 91%
• Runtime: 178 minutes
• Where to watch: HBO Max

Why is “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” listed here and not any of the other movies in the trilogy? The easy answer is because we’re cheating. One does not simply watch a single “Lord of the Rings” movie and call it quits there. A marathon — of the extended editions, mind you — is the only option, so this is the starting point.

Based on the epic story written by J. R. R. Tolkien, this 2001 film centers on the Hobbit Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood), who must travel to Mount Doom to destroy the alluring but powerful One Ring. Through the guidance of the wise wizard Gandalf (Ian McKellen), Frodo teams up with a group of allies who will help him traverse across the dangerous Middle-earth and battle the evil forces of Sauron.

Let’s not beat around the bush here: “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” changed movies forever. It isn’t only an excellent fantasy film and the Holy Grail of the genre, but also one of the greatest pieces of cinema ever created. As a matter of fact, every household should do a “Lord of the Rings” marathon at least once, if not twice, a year. By doing so, the mood in the home will improve tenfold.

• Cast: Arnold Schwarzenegger, James Earl Jones, Max von Sydow
• Director: John Milius
• Rotten Tomatoes: 67%
• Runtime: 129 minutes
• Where to watch: AMC+, Prime Video, Apple TV

It’s 1982’s “Conan the Barbarian” that first turned the world on to Arnold Schwarzenegger’s credentials as an action star. Even though he was already built like the gods themselves chiseled him out of stone, Arnie proved that charisma is his other superpower in this sword-and-sorcery classic.

Don’t expect an overly complex story in “Conan the Barbarian”; instead, it’s a basic revenge tale. As a child, Conan’s parents are killed by Thulsa Doom (James Earl Jones) and his bad-to-the-bone crew. Consequently, Conan and his people, the Cimmerians, are enslaved. Once Conan reaches adulthood, he sets off on a mission to seek revenge — but it isn’t without its own unique challenges and perils along the way.

Big dumb fun is a good way to describe “Conan the Barbarian.” It might not have the subtleties or sheer breadth of storytelling of some of the other films listed here, but it cuts to the meat of the matter, which is bone-crushing action in a fantastical world. It spawned a 1984 sequel titled “Conan the Destroyer,” but the original movie still stands tall as Conan’s finest moment — and an absolute delight for fans who love their sword and sorcery with extra muscle and a side dish of cheese. It’s unsurprising the overhyped reboot bombed, because without Arnie, Conan doesn’t work.

• Cast: Christopher Lambert, Sean Connery, Clancy Brown
• Director: Russell Mulcahy
• Rotten Tomatoes: 69%
• Runtime: 110 minutes
• Where to watch: Prime Video, Apple TV

When people think of 1986’s “Highlander,” the first song that comes to mind is Queen’s “Princes of the Universe.” However, there’s another Queen number from the soundtrack titled that perfectly sums up the plot of the film: “Who Wants to Live Forever.”

That’s the million-dollar question here, isn’t it? Connor MacLeod (Christopher Lambert) is an immortal. He’s experienced it all, watching the centuries change and seeing his loved ones succumb to the sands of time. He’s avoided battling another immortal known as the Kurgan (Clancy Brown) for too long, but he can’t outrun his destiny, as he and the Kurgan are destined to clash. It’s their shared fate.

“Highlander” is one of those films that gets better with each rewatch. The more times that the viewer sits with it, the more likely they are to appreciate how it stands out from other movies of its era and its overall boldness. From its moody aesthetic to the swashbuckling swordfights, there’s something for every fan of cinema to savor here. The Russell Mulcahy-directed film kicked off a number of “Highlander” movies and TV shows, but the original continues to hit the sweet spot like nothing else in the franchise. The combination of the thumping rock music, Lambert’s emotional performance, and Clancy Brown and Sean Connery having the most fun they have ever had on camera ensures that this remains an all-time rewatchable fantasy movie.

• Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint
• Director: Chris Columbus
• Rotten Tomatoes: 80%
• Runtime: 152 minutes
• Where to watch: HBO Max

The story about the Boy Who Lived begins in 2001’s “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” as viewers meet the young Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe), who lives with his cruel aunt, uncle, and cousin. His life changes for the better when he receives an invitation to join a magical school known as Hogwarts. As Harry starts to learn more about his family’s history, he also makes fast friends with fellow students Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) and Hermione Granger (Emma Watson), who join him in his quest to find out more about this world, including the dreaded He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. It’s Voldemort — in case you didn’t know — because we aren’t scared to say that serpentine fool’s name around here.

“Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” establishes itself as a wonderful introduction to Hogwarts and the rich characters of this universe, setting up who’s who and the stakes for what’s to come. Also, it makes everyone wish they had received a letter from an owl inviting them to a special magic school rather than sit in a class with ordinary Muggles.

The only question is, do you stop at this “Harry Potter” movie? The answer is no. You power on through the rest of the series, treating it as the marathon it deserves and enjoying all that the Wizarding World has to offer.

• Cast: Jennifer Connelly, David Bowie, Toby Froud
• Director: Jim Henson
• Rotten Tomatoes: 78%
• Runtime: 101 minutes
• Where to watch: Hulu

If an enchanting fairy tale is what you’re after, look no further than “Labyrinth.” It contains thrills, danger, and all the heart you can handle. In this tale, frustrated teenager Sarah Williams (Jennifer Connelly) makes a wish that her baby brother Toby (Toby Froud) be taken away by goblins after she grows tired of his crying. She gets her wish as the goblin king, Jareth (David Bowie), appears to cut her a deal. Instantly, Sarah regrets her wish, wanting her brother back, so Jareth offers her an opportunity: She has a few hours to make it through his labyrinth, or Toby becomes a goblin (some might say all babies are goblins anyway, but we digress).

Director Jim Henson was a master of puppetry, having created the Muppets and played a critical role in the success of other franchises, such as “The Dark Crystal.” In “Labyrinth,” he brought the various creatures to life through the same methods. What’s remarkable is how amazing everything still looks decades after the film’s release, once again proving that practical effects are infinitely better than CGI.

Also, let’s not forget Bowie’s charismatic turn as Jareth; it’s the type of performance that viewers want to experience again and again. He’s an all-time legendary villain of the fantasy genre, and it’s difficult to imagine anyone else but the former Ziggy Stardust in this unforgettable part.

• Cast: Amy Adams, Patrick Dempsey, James Marsden
• Director: Kevin Lima
• Rotten Tomatoes: 93%
• Runtime: 107 minutes
• Where to watch: Disney+

Many dream of being transported from the real world to a fantastical one, but what if the opposite happens? That’s the experience of Giselle (Amy Adams), who gets transported from the fictional Andalasia to New York City in “Enchanted.” In her world, Giselle wished to meet a prince and be swept off her feet for a happily ever after, but in the real world, she falls for divorce lawyer Robert Philip (Patrick Dempsey).

“Enchanted” has a lot of fun poking fun at the tropes of a damsel-in-distress and a prince being the key to a better life. It’s an empowering story that demonstrates that a Disney Princess can be so much more than what they are traditionally portrayed as, and love occurs in the most unexpected places. At the same time, the film also operates as a love letter to the different eras of the House of Mouse.

In terms of rewatchability, “Enchanted” has it all. Not only are the characters memorable and highly likable, but this fantasy flick also plays out like a delightful romcom. This is the type of film to put on whenever someone’s having a rough day and needs a quick boost of all the happy feels. A 2022 sequel, “Disenchanted,” was released, but it isn’t in the same class as the original.

• Cast: Ivana Baquero, Sergi López, Doug Jones
• Director: Guillermo del Toro
• Rotten Tomatoes: 95%
• Runtime: 118 minutes
• Where to watch: Amazon, Criterion

As haunting as it is beautiful, Guillermo del Toro’s “Pan’s Labyrinth” blurs the line between real life and fantasy to tell an ambiguous story that makes you question if what happens in the narrative is true or not. At the end of the day, maybe it doesn’t matter, because it’s all to do with defiance and bravery in the face of cruelty and injustice.

Taking place in 1944, “Pan’s Labyrinth” centers on the young Ofelia (Ivana Baquero), who moves with her mother, Carmen (Ariadna Gil), to live with her new stepfather Captain Vidal (Sergi López), a sadistic man who serves under the Spanish dictatorship. Ofelia grows more isolated and disillusioned, but her life changes after she meets a faun (Doug Jones) who believes her to be a reincarnated princess. The creature informs Ofelia about the three tasks she must complete to attain immortality and her rightful place on the throne.

Much like any movie from del Toro, “Pan’s Labyrinth” is a visual feast. From the entrancing worldbuilding to the distinct creatures, every aspect draws the viewer into this fable. It’s one of the few fantasy movies that created entire worlds with almost no CGI. It’s both style and substance, though, as the story leaves an everlasting impression that makes viewers want to revisit this poignant film.

• Cast: Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Margaret Hamilton
• Director: Victor Fleming
• Rotten Tomatoes: 98%
• Runtime: 102 minutes
• Where to watch: HBO Max

When discussing rewatchable fantasy movies, “The Wizard of Oz” needs to be mentioned. The film might have been released in 1939, but it continues to find an audience in modern times. Sure, some technical aspects might not hold up as well as others, but there’s still a lot of enjoyment to be found in this classic movie that’s widely regarded as one of the best in history.

Based on L. Frank Baum’s novel “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” Dorothy Gale (Judy Garland) and her dog, Toto, find themselves transported to the Land of Oz after a tornado strikes Kansas. Dorothy meets three friends — the Cowardly Lion (Bert Lahr), the Scarecrow (Ray Bolger), and the Tin Man (Jack Haley) — who join her on her quest to meet the mysterious Oz (Frank Morgan), who harbors the power to return her home. At the same time, they need to contend with the Wicked Witch of the West (Margaret Hamilton), who has sworn vengeance on Dorothy.

There’s a bit of everything in “The Wizard of Oz.” From trials and tribulations to establishing new friendships and overcoming adversity, this film contains it all. There’s magic in every scene, and unsurprisingly, it’s a movie that’s stood the test of time.

• Cast: Nigel Terry, Helen Mirren, Nicol Williamson
• Director: John Boorman
• Rotten Tomatoes: 72%
• Runtime: 140 minutes
• Where to watch: HBO Max

The legend of King Arthur continues to appeal, though if we’re being entirely honest, not many movies about the famous king have delivered. However, that isn’t the case with 1981’s “Excalibur,” which owes its name to Arthur’s iconic sword.

“Excalibur” follows the rise of Arthur (Nigel Terry), who is destined to become king. This includes all the hardship he faces until he pulls Excalibur from the stone and forms the Knights of the Round Table. All the major Arthurian characters, such as Morgana (Helen Mirren), Lancelot (Nicholas Clay), and Merlin (Nicol Williamson), feature in this dark fantasy epic that leaves no stone — pardon the pun — unturned.

What stands out the most about “Excalibur” is how it’s packed to the brim with both action and lore. It’s a visually distinct film that’s easy on the eye and practically begs for multiple rewatches as it confirms its status as the best King Arthur movie of all time. Considering its stunning cinematography, it should be no surprise to learn that “Excalibur” is also one of Zack Snyder’s favorite movies of all time.